1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The Cholesterol Ratio is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol level to your HDL (good) cholesterol level. It provides a quick assessment of heart disease risk and is calculated by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Cholesterol Ratio formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — Measured in mg/dL
• HDL Cholesterol — Measured in mg/dL

Explanation: A lower ratio indicates a lower risk of heart disease, while a higher ratio suggests increased risk.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is an important indicator of cardiovascular health. It helps assess heart disease risk and provides a more comprehensive picture than looking at total cholesterol alone.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol values in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good cholesterol ratio?
A: Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with the ideal ratio being around 3.5:1 or lower.

Q2: Why is cholesterol ratio important?
A: It provides a better assessment of heart disease risk than total cholesterol alone by considering the balance between "bad" and "good" cholesterol.

Q3: How often should I check my cholesterol levels?
A: Adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if you have risk factors for heart disease.

Q4: Can I improve my cholesterol ratio?
A: Yes, through lifestyle changes like regular exercise, healthy diet, maintaining healthy weight, and if needed, medication prescribed by your doctor.

Q5: Are there limitations to using cholesterol ratio?
A: While useful, cholesterol ratio should be considered alongside other risk factors and lipid measurements for a complete cardiovascular risk assessment.